Pape Gueye opens up on rejecting PSG move before joining Le Havre

Senegal international Pape Gueye has opened up about turning down an opportunity to join Paris Saint-Germain during his youth career before eventually committing his future to Le Havre’s academy.

The 27-year-old midfielder disclosed that the French champions made several attempts to secure his services while he was developing his football career at Blanc-Mesnil, but he opted against attending a trial with the Parisian outfit.

Born in the Paris suburbs, Gueye revealed that despite growing up in an environment where his family supported Olympique de Marseille, PSG had identified him as a promising young talent and were keen to bring him into their youth setup.

In an interview with French newspaper L’Équipe, the Senegalese international recalled receiving an invitation from PSG to attend a trial but admitted he never took up the opportunity.

“At home, everyone supported Marseille. When I was playing for Blanc-Mesnil, I even remember that PSG sent me an invitation to come for a trial, but I never went,” he said.

Gueye eventually chose Le Havre, explaining that the club’s reputation for developing young players and its commitment to education played an important role in his decision.

However, PSG were not prepared to give up on their pursuit, with the midfielder revealing that the Ligue 1 giants made another approach shortly before he completed his move to Le Havre.

“Before I went into the office in Le Havre to sign my contract, I remember my former agent showing me a text message from PSG’s youth recruitment manager. They didn’t give up on me right until the very end,” he added.

Having joined Le Havre’s academy, Gueye successfully progressed through the ranks before making his professional breakthrough. He subsequently moved to Olympique de Marseille, where he continued his development before taking his career to Spain.

The midfielder now represents Villarreal and will have an opportunity to face the club that once pursued his signature when the Spanish side host Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

Gueye, who has registered 48 appearances for Senegal and scored seven international goals, will be hoping to play a key role as Villarreal take on the reigning European champions.